I need an NG Tube

A children’s guide to having a nasogastric tube

Grace Kelly Childhood

Cancer Trust

If your child needs a nasogastric tube, then this booklet is designed to help.

It was written to help children understand about having a nasogastric tube and what it means.

This publication is intended to supplement the advice given by your child’s medical team. It has been illustrated by Angus Jorgen Olsen. Our thanks go to Angus for his wonderful illustrations.

The booklet was written and edited by Dr Jennifer Kelly, GP and founder of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.

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The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust has also produced a publication entitled, “Lines, ports and tubes,” which explains things in greater detail for adults and teenagers. Ask your child’s care team for a copy or you can order one free of charge on our website.

The publication of this booklet was funded by the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.

Copyright GKCCT 2019. Published January 2019. Next review due in 2022.

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Today I am getting my NG tube. It is soft and bendy and goes into my nose.

It is my nose to tummy tube.

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When it goes down it feels funny. Sometimes it makes me cough and sneeze.

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I am getting used to it now. I can still play and have fun.

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Sometimes my plaster needs changing. This isn’t always fun but my new one is nice and clean.

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My tube can give me a drink when I feel sick.

My tube can give me some food when I find eating hard.

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My tube sends my medicine just where it needs to go. Now I won’t have to taste it.

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I have a nose to tummy tube. It is very important and helps me feel better.

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The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust is a UK children’s cancer charity that concentrates on funding research and providing support for children with rare childhood cancers. We also work to provide education on the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer and how it may present.

For more information please see our website.

Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust

www.gkcct.org

gracekellychildhoodcancertrust

@GraceKellyTrust

Registered charity number 1167783.

Grace Kelly Childhood

Cancer Trust